Is Hemp Legal in Ghana?

Industrial hemp is legal in Ghana under a licensing regime created by the Narcotics Control Commission Act 2020. Section 43 authorizes the Minister for the Interior to grant cultivation licenses for cannabis with a THC content not exceeding 0.3 percent for industrial purposes (fiber, seed, building materials) and for medicinal use.

The Constitutional Court briefly struck down Section 43 in July 2022 on procedural grounds, but Parliament passed the Narcotics Control Commission (Amendment) Act in July 2023 to restore the licensing pathway. NACOC issued the first formal Regulations in 2024, establishing application fees, security requirements, GACP standards, and export controls. Licensed acreage is concentrated in the Volta, Eastern, and Central Regions, with initial production focused on fiber and seed exports rather than domestic consumer goods. The Ministry of Food and Agriculture supports research through the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

Unlicensed hemp cultivation remains a felony under Section 37 with sentences of five to ten years.

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current law with qualified counsel before making compliance decisions.